Air Marshal (Retd) Jeetendra Mishra arrived in Ayodhya on 4 September 2025, a day after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust appointed him as its first-ever Chief Executive Officer (CEO) — selected from a field of more than 5,000 candidates. Mishra, a decorated veteran with over 39 years in the Indian Air Force, called the appointment the second greatest honour of his life.

Mishra's First Words from Ayodhya

Speaking to reporters on his arrival, Mishra struck a tone of reverence and measured patience. 'My heart is filled with gratitude. I consider myself the most fortunate person today to have been given this responsibility twice in my life — once to serve the nation and now to serve Lord Ram, the temple and its devotees through its organisation and administration,' he said.

He asked for time before outlining his detailed plans, noting that formal charge-taking was still pending. 'Give me some time to take over. I will share the complete plan with you,' he told reporters, adding that he remained grateful to the selection committee, the Trust, and 'Lord Ram's blessings.'

Selection Process and Trust Endorsement

The appointment was ratified at a high-profile meeting of the Trust, which acted on the recommendations of a dedicated search committee. More than 5,000 prospective candidates were evaluated before Mishra emerged as the chosen name. Trust members, at a press conference immediately following the decision, highlighted his distinguished Air Force career and expressed confidence in his leadership credentials for this institutional role.

A Career That Spans Battlefields and Boardrooms

Commissioned into the Indian Air Force on 6 December 1986, Mishra is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy. Notably, he served as Commander during Operation Sindoor — India's military response to the Pakistan-sponsored Pahalgam terror attack — lending him a profile that combines operational command with national-security gravitas.

Mishra also underscored his personal ties to the region. 'I belong to this region and frequently visit Deoria, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi. Our state and country are progressing rapidly, and Ayodhya is also developing in the same way,' he said.

What the CEO Role Entails

As CEO, Mishra will serve as the principal point person for the temple's administration and financial management. His mandate covers temple operations, security oversight, staff administration, devotee facilities, and inter-departmental coordination. The role is designed to bring institutional rigour to one of India's most visited religious sites, which has seen a sharp surge in pilgrim footfall since its consecration earlier this year.

With the formal handover still days away, Mishra's arrival signals the beginning of a new administrative chapter for the Ram Temple — one that will be closely watched by both devotees and governance observers alike.